There’s something magical about chicken marsala. Picture a tender, juicy chicken breast bathed in a rich, velvety sauce infused with earthy mushrooms and a splash of sweet Marsala wine. The aroma wafts through the air, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.
I first stumbled upon this delightful dish during a family gathering, where my aunt made it for her famous Sunday dinner. The moment I took my first bite, I felt like I was transported to an Italian trattoria. Everyone gathered around the table, savoring each bite while sharing laughter and stories. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, bringing back those memories every time I whip it up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken marsala is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights
- The blend of savory mushrooms and sweet wine creates a flavor explosion that will wow your guests
- Its golden-brown presentation adds visual appeal to any plate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta or rice for a complete meal!
I remember the first time I served this dish to my friends; they were all asking for seconds and even thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces to serve around four people; adjust based on appetite.
Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for cremini or button mushrooms for their rich flavor; make sure they are firm and clean.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves lend the best flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties if you want the authentic taste.
Marsala Wine: A good quality dry Marsala wine enhances the sauce; avoid cooking wines which can be too salty.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding depth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient provides richness and smoothness to the sauce; you can use half-and-half as a lighter option.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and color as a garnish before serving; don’t skip this!
Olive Oil and Butter: A mix of both gives flavor when sautéing the chicken and mushrooms; don’t skimp on these fats!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting dry your chicken breasts with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter combined with olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side.
Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic followed by sliced mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender—around 5-7 minutes.
Pour in Marsala Wine: Deglaze the pan by pouring in Marsala wine while scraping up flavorful bits stuck at the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Create Rich Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet mixture. Allow it to simmer gently until thickened slightly—about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Everything Together: Return seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer together for another 5 minutes to meld flavors beautifully.
Now you’re ready to serve up your stunning chicken marsala! Whether it’s over pasta or alongside buttery mashed potatoes, enjoy every mouthful of this heavenly dish!
You Must Know
- Chicken marsala is a classic dish that elevates any dinner table
- The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and Marsala wine creates a symphony of flavors
- Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then prepare the sauce while it cooks for perfect timing and taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add spinach for a colorful twist. Experiment with different mushrooms too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken marsala in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality Marsala wine for deeper flavor; avoid cooking wine which can be overly salty
- Sauté mushrooms until golden brown for better texture and taste
- Let the sauce simmer slightly longer to enhance its richness
It was a chilly evening when I first made chicken marsala for friends. Their delighted reactions made me realize this dish could become my secret weapon for impressing guests!
FAQ
What can I use instead of Marsala wine in chicken marsala?
Try using dry sherry or white wine mixed with a little balsamic vinegar for similar depth.
Can I make chicken marsala ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance; just reheat before serving.
How do I achieve a thicker sauce for chicken marsala?
Add cornstarch mixed with water during cooking; it will thicken as it simmers.
Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce made from earthy mushrooms and sweet Marsala wine. This delightful recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings warmth to any dinner table. Perfect for cozy weeknights or special occasions, Chicken Marsala is sure to impress your family and friends with its exquisite flavors and simple preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and sliced mushrooms until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; let simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot over pasta or rice, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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